Pat Taub
Social Action on Vacation
As part of my Palm Springs vacation I accompanied an old Codepink buddy, Janet Weil, to the office of State Representative Raul Ruiz to do a letter drop off encouraging the Congressman to vote for HR 1, a bill supporting Medicare for all. Janet is a resident of Palm Springs and was lobbying as a member of Progressive Democrats of America. It felt good to do a little social action on vacation.
Yours Truly, Congressman Ruiz’s Aide and Janet Weil
Phyllis Chesler’s Memoir
All you old feminists will remember Phyllis Chesler from her groundbreaking 1972 book Women and Madness where she challenged the double standard psychology employed towards women. An emotionally healthy woman was one who fulfilled traditional female roles; when she behaved independently she was labeled unhealthy or neurotic. In her memoir, A Politically Incorrect Feminist, Chesler takes the reader on a ride through the early heady days of Second Wave Feminism to the present. A great read!
Phyllis Chesler reading from her memoir, “A Politically Incorrect Feminist”
A Complaint Free Week
After reading a Facebook posting by a woman who took a pledge to make no complaints for a month, I posted a WOW Facebook challenge inviting members to join me in a week of no complaints, figuring a week is easier than a month! Political postings and comments are allowed since we all need to stay engaged with what’s going on in the world. I already caught myself making a complaint. One demerit so far!
A complaint free week means no bitchy gossiping
Palm Springs Tourist Attractions
Yesterday a good friend from Maine arrived to spend 10 days with me. I’ve been saving my tourist activities to do with her. We have plans to take a day in a mineral bath and another to visit Joshua Tree National Park, which has reopened with a small staff—photos to come!
Jonas Mekas
This week the New York Times paid tribute to avant-garde filmmaker Jonas Mekas who died Wednesday at 96. I was moved by his enthusiasm for life, which never left him. He told the Times reporter, “Have you ever thought about how amazing, really, amazing, life is?” He also commented, “You have to trust your angels.” What wonderful words to live by!
A recent photo of Jonas Mekas passing out flowers before a film event
